A Federal High Court in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, has fixed 22 January for the start of the trial of Omoyele Sowore, publisher of the online news platform Sahara Reporters, over allegations linked to comments about President Bola Tinubu.
Mr Sowore was arraigned on Monday before Justice Mohammed Umar on a two-count amended charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS). He pleaded not guilty to both counts.
The case centres on a social media post made in August 2025 on Mr Sowore’s verified account on X, formerly Twitter. Prosecutors allege that the post contained false claims about President Tinubu and was intended to cause public disorder. The DSS is prosecuting the case under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, which covers offences such as cyberstalking.
In the amended charge, Mr Sowore is the sole defendant. Earlier filings had also named X and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, but the court struck out their names following an application by the prosecution.
Mr Sowore’s lawyer asked the court to allow his client to continue on the bail earlier granted, a request Justice Umar approved.
During proceedings, the prosecution told the court it was ready to begin trial and had a witness present. However, the defence objected, arguing that the prosecution had failed to properly disclose the identities and statements of its witnesses, saying this breached Mr Sowore’s constitutional right to adequate time and facilities to prepare his defence.
The prosecution rejected the claim, describing it as an attempt to delay the trial. Prosecutors argued that relevant documents had been filed and that the defence would have the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses when testimony begins.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Umar adjourned the case until 22 January for a definite hearing.
Mr Sowore, a former presidential candidate and long-time government critic, has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and says the case is an attack on free expression.
